NEWCASTLE United today denied speculation linking them with a summer swoop for Blackburn midfielder David Dunn.

A story in one of the weekend tabloids claimed United boss Bobby Robson was ready to test Rovers' determination to cling onto their England Under 21 international skipper by lodging a £10 million bid.

But impeccable sources who are close to the action in the North East have revealed that Dunn is NOT a current transfer target for the Magpies.

Former England boss Robson is certainly an admirer of Dunn and he is believed to have had the Rovers youngster watched on several occasions.

However, after splashing out big-money on Titus Bramble and Hugo Viana already this summer, United's money men will not sanction a further move for Dunn, particularly as United are already overloaded with midfield talent in the form of Kieron Dyer, Jermaine Jenas, Viana and Gary Speed.

"Bobby Robson has already spent heavily in the transfer market and he has no plans to spend any more serious money," said a source.